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Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a protozoan disease transmitted through the bite of a sandfly infected with leishmania parasites. Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as kala-azar, is a systemic disease, and it is usually diagnosed by the presence the organisms in the spleen, lymph gland, or bone marrow aspirates. Cutaneous leishmaniasis usually occurs in the form of an ulcerated nodule on the skin Patients with lesions on the face or another cosmetically important area should be treated to reduce the size of the resultant scar. The most successful therapy is intralesional therapy. Systemic chemotherapy is recommended for very extensive lesions. Uncomplicated lesions do not need to be treated aggressively. Simple excision, cryosurgery, and topical therapy are usually sufficient.

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Correspondence to Meltem Onder .

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Onder, M., Gürer, M.A. (2015). Leishmaniasis. In: Katsambas, A.D., Lotti, T.M., Dessinioti, C., D’Erme, A.M. (eds) European Handbook of Dermatological Treatments. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-45139-7_50

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-45139-7_50

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